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Lightning Owner Endorses Castor for Tampa Mayor

Jane Castor | Jeff Vinik | Politics

Former Tampa police Chief Jane Castor is running for mayor.

TAMPA – Tampa investor, resident, and owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jeff Vinik, today (Jan. 23) announced his endorsement of former Tampa police chief and current mayoral candidate Jane Castor.

“Tampa is growing and changing in so many exciting ways. As police chief, Jane’s leadership helped lay the foundation for our economic progress by securing the safety of our community and reducing crime by more than 70%.  I know as our next Mayor, she will continue to strengthen our economy and make Tampa an even better place to live and work,” Vinik said. “As our city begins to implement the All for Transportation plan, Jane will ensure those new funds are spent efficiently and effectively. I am thrilled to see where Tampa will go under her leadership.”

Vinik is the current owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and a partner in Strategic Property Partners, helping lead the $3-plus billion investment in the new Water Street Tampa neighborhood. He is also the inspiration behind Embarc Collective, a new innovation hub located in downtown Tampa. Additionally, he was a champion for the successful All for Transportation referendum that will generate nearly $300 million a year for transportation and transit improvements throughout Hillsborough County. Under the umbrellas of the Vinik Family Foundation and the Lightning Foundation, Vinik and his wife, Penny, have invested millions in Tampa Bay area charities through a variety of philanthropic programs and donations, including more than $17 million alone through the Lightning Community Heroes program.

“I am honored and excited to have Mr. Vinik’s support. Jeff has played a major role in Tampa’s ongoing economic and cultural renaissance, and has dedicated so much to giving back to our community. Our future is bright here in Tampa, and as mayor, I look forward to building on our current economic success but we can and we will do even better by investing in our neighborhoods, in transportation, affordable housing, and smart growth. That is my commitment to our community as your next mayor,” Castor said.

Castor is a Tampa native. She was graduated from Chamberlain High and attended the University of Tampa on an athletic scholarship. Castor spent more than 35 years with the Tampa Police Department, the last six years as the city’ first woman police chief.

Castor is one of eight candidates running in the nonpartisan race for mayor.The others are Harry Cohen, Dick Greco Jr., Reginald Howard (wrte-in), Christopher “Topher” Morrison, David Straz, Mike Suarez and Ed Turanchik.

The election is March 5.

For information about Castor, go to janeformayor.com.

Photo shows Jane Castor, left, and Jeff Vinik.

Jane Castor | Politics | Elections | Jeff Vinik | Tampabay News

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